For women who prefer not to utilise or are unable to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT), non-hormonal treatments can be useful in treating menopausal symptoms.
Changes in lifestyle: A few lifestyle adjustments can help reduce menopausal symptoms. These include getting adequate sleep, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, using stress-reduction strategies (like yoga or mindfulness), and avoiding triggers like caffeine and spicy foods. Healthy lifestyle choices can improve overall wellbeing and possibly lessen symptom severity.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that can assist women in managing emotional symptoms associated with menopause, such as mood swings, anxiety, and sadness. It focuses on recognising and altering unfavourable thought patterns, creating good coping mechanisms, and enhancing general mental health.
Cooling Methods: Common menopausal symptoms include hot flashes and nocturnal sweats. By lowering body heat and enhancing comfort, cooling strategies including layering clothing, utilising fans, keeping the bedroom cool, and using cold packs or cool cloths can help manage these symptoms.
Vaginal Moisturisers and Lubricants: Non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can be used to treat symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual activity. These items can help rehydrate the vaginal area, lessen friction, and enhance general vaginal health. They can be purchased without a prescription and don’t include hormones.
Medication: Specific drugs can assist manage particular menopause symptoms. As an illustration, regularly prescribed antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can also help lessen hot flashes. Off-label prescriptions of other drugs, like gabapentin or clonidine, may be used to treat hot flashes or nocturnal sweats.
Herbal treatments and nutritional supplements: Some women use herbal treatments or dietary supplements to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh, red clover, evening primrose oil, and soy isoflavones are a few examples. The effectiveness and safety of various treatments varies, and it’s crucial to remember that they should only be administered under supervision. Before beginning any herbal therapies or supplements, talk to your doctor.